I know, of course, that many priests say: "I can't do a Latin Mass" which always strikes me as rather feeble; like a tennis player stating that he can't do drop shots or a golfer stating that he only plays on a nine hole course.
But Benediction! Isn't that one of the most perfect ways in which we can adore our God? Why is it not made available more freely? Is it because there is an element of Latin to it? Is it a tad too triumphalist?.....too devote perhaps? or, is it that it recognises transubstantiation in a way that troubles some priests. I hope that I am wrong but it is puzzling that this most beautiful of services is rarely found.
A quick survey of Menevia Diocese shows that, out of 37* or so parish churches, only 7 offer Benediction (and then, in some instances it's only once a month). Pretty shocking by any standard.
*Based on parish website information.
Quite a few do feature Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament but for some obscure reason, that seems to take place at 9.30am on Wednesday mornings. I bet there's a full house for that!
All of the parish groups play a part, the KSC, SVP, Legion of Mary and so on; it offers them a chance to recruit new members also.
And then there is Corpus Christi - a chance to take Our Lord even further afield (if anyone has the courage these days).
Of course, the prime purpose is the adoration and worship of Almighty God but Benediction also has so many graces and benefits for those who attend.
I am sure it must appear as if this blog is all about complaints, and that is largely true. I wish it were not so, but the laity in England and Wales are really being given short shrift when it comes to receiving the richness and fullness of our Faith.
Of course, when a priest or Bishop says that there is no demand for it you know what to do don't you?
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| "I told you - I don't do drop shots" |
A quick survey of Menevia Diocese shows that, out of 37* or so parish churches, only 7 offer Benediction (and then, in some instances it's only once a month). Pretty shocking by any standard.
*Based on parish website information.
Quite a few do feature Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament but for some obscure reason, that seems to take place at 9.30am on Wednesday mornings. I bet there's a full house for that!
 |
| Procession and Benediction - is it a bit too holy? |
Benediction offers such great opportunities to involve the whole parish.
In May there's potential for the Processions in honour of Our Lady, where the Blessed Sacrament is taken on a tour of the surrounding streets preceeded by young girls with baskets of petals to strew in the path of Our Lord. What imagery it conjures up and what reverence and belief it instils.All of the parish groups play a part, the KSC, SVP, Legion of Mary and so on; it offers them a chance to recruit new members also.
And then there is Corpus Christi - a chance to take Our Lord even further afield (if anyone has the courage these days).
Of course, the prime purpose is the adoration and worship of Almighty God but Benediction also has so many graces and benefits for those who attend.
I am sure it must appear as if this blog is all about complaints, and that is largely true. I wish it were not so, but the laity in England and Wales are really being given short shrift when it comes to receiving the richness and fullness of our Faith.
Of course, when a priest or Bishop says that there is no demand for it you know what to do don't you?
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